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Sophie_M Money stress? You are not alone!
  • replies: 4

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we al... View more

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we all seem to be experiencing a greater amount of stress surrounding money than we have in the past. And it’s impacting our ability to show up fully for the things we love. It’s not uncommon for us to experience shame and fear around expressing our financial challenges; it can be hard and somewhat taboo to openly discuss money matters. However, we believe this conversation is incredibly important and beneficial to have. Like all challenges, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, so let’s help each other out. Of course, discussions about the economy and how to manage our money during inflation are a much larger (and frustrating!) conversation… but what we would really love to know is what your personal experience around money is. Are you feeling the pinch too? How is added financial pressure impacting your wellbeing? When was the last time things felt even slightly easier? And if you have struggled with money in the past but come out the other side, what suggestions do you have for others who might still be finding their feet? This is an opportunity to share openly and honestly about your experience in a judgement-free space. There are no wrong answers, and we encourage you to share all the things that you might be finding hard to express in your every day life. Looking forward to your answers! Abundant hugs from yours truly, Sophie M.

Just Sara A Bouquet for Pearls - share your appreciation for other members
  • replies: 715

Every now and then, members share a beautiful Pearl of Wisdom. How often do you think to yourself; "OMG that's great! I wish everyone could see this." Presenting someone with a bunch of flowers is a generous way of acknowledging their insightful word... View more

Every now and then, members share a beautiful Pearl of Wisdom. How often do you think to yourself; "OMG that's great! I wish everyone could see this." Presenting someone with a bunch of flowers is a generous way of acknowledging their insightful words. I hope this thread stays active through members giving out praise regularly to people they feel deserving, and therefore keep generosity of spirit alive within the pages of BeyondBlue Forum. My bunch of Red Roses (my choice) goes to Wishful for the following sentence; 'Personally, I see no reason to be praised in me, but I'm learning that seeing through the eyes of others can be more accurate!!' I so hear you Wishful. Just beautiful... Try to keep your leading comments short to focus on 'their' words. Choose specific flowers (or a gift if you like) to present to them. Sign off respectfully and sincerely. I hope this takes off... Spreading the love...Sara

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white knight Protection against doom and gloom
  • replies: 6

I feel very sorry for negative thinkers. Once you become a positive "half full" person you never look back, no matter what life throws at you, you'll pick yourself up and dust yourself off, to fight another day. This is because you accept that life i... View more

I feel very sorry for negative thinkers. Once you become a positive "half full" person you never look back, no matter what life throws at you, you'll pick yourself up and dust yourself off, to fight another day. This is because you accept that life is naturally full of the unexpected and of challenges... that never end. However, being positive doesn't mean, if you have a MI, that you dont have down times, it's how you get back up is the difference. As I've aged I've found that older people tend to talk about their illnesses both mental and physical, much more often, in fact I have two male friends on the wrong side of 70yo that constantly talk about their problems. One partner of them pulled me aside to ask me what she can do about her man talking about his woes- anxiety is always the topic but lately it goes from that to organ scans, carpal tunnel and general physical ailments then back to anxiety. How do you cope with it and decrease it? was her questions Not being of a professional level I advised her to seek therapy for him. But it raised to me the seriousness of what I was feeling with my 2 friends especially because I was no longer enjoying their company- at all. One side of me wanted to scream "but you are walking, talking, observing, laughing and eating all without aid!! "feel sorry for yourself for having no shoes until you see someone with no feet"!! and that taking 4 tablets is no different to me taking my 10 tablets, why? he asked- "because they are all taken in one swallow". Doom and gloom So, I constantly curb friends comments to try to remind them of the fight most people have- the fight of good health But in my heart I know, that attitude change, takes a lot of inner strength, discipline and determination over many years So, can I suggest to members here- work towards toning down talking about your woesask questions of your friends to take interest in their lives and good timesbecome a half full person, it's a great way to livetry to restrict your therapy to the therapist/psychit's ok to feel down and reject the company of a friend, they'd likely rather chat when you are feeling better.Thoughts?TonyWK

blondguy The GOOD NEWS Thread
  • replies: 176

Hi Everyone If you have any good news in your life or seen any good news in the media please let us know in a brief post Note: I understand and respect this thread topic is not for everyone as any level of anxious/depressive feelings are awful to exp... View more

Hi Everyone If you have any good news in your life or seen any good news in the media please let us know in a brief post Note: I understand and respect this thread topic is not for everyone as any level of anxious/depressive feelings are awful to experience Just for myself I have a couple of positives Peta Credlin on Sky News gave Beyond Blue a huge mention earlier this week My mum is still independent and doing well at 90 years of age and her lung function test is 'Normal' and still a smoker! Love you mum x any good news is welcome...and thankyou everyone for being a part of the Beyond Blue forums too! my kindest always...Paul

ecomama Community Connections
  • replies: 1

Learning about "connections" and being connected as a vital part of our wellbeing journey has been very enlightening to me. It's ONE piece in our puzzle for figuring out what serves our own wellbeing. To respect those members who don't have family co... View more

Learning about "connections" and being connected as a vital part of our wellbeing journey has been very enlightening to me. It's ONE piece in our puzzle for figuring out what serves our own wellbeing. To respect those members who don't have family connections, I'd like us to focus on Community Connections we have, how they're going and also ones we'd like to join in on. Hopefully we can encourage each other to jump into these and support each other with ongoing engagement in these groups. Following on from hearing a quote "immunity is in the Community (connections)", this sparked reflection on my own life and how I can increase my participation in these for mine and others' wellbeing. What Community groups are you curious about attending? If you attend some already, which ones have been FUN or even good for you to belong to? We may have never felt that we "fit in" anywhere... I want to challenge this belief. Belonging is the opposite of fitting in.Belonging requires us to BE who we are, whilst fitting in requires to change who we are. (Brene Brown not me! lol).Maya Angelou said we belong everywhere and nowhere... so this is a shared human experience. Let's DO IT BB! Love EM

ScarlettR The Ellen DeGeneres 5 Second Rule game - perfect for mood boosters
  • replies: 1

So on the Ellen DeGeneres show, there was a game played with celebrities called the 5 Second Rule. Basically one is asked to name a category of three things (e.g. 3 fruits that are red) and you have to answer in 5 seconds or less then tap a buzzer. T... View more

So on the Ellen DeGeneres show, there was a game played with celebrities called the 5 Second Rule. Basically one is asked to name a category of three things (e.g. 3 fruits that are red) and you have to answer in 5 seconds or less then tap a buzzer. There are are clips of various 5 Second Rule games on YouTube. There is also a board game but may only be available in USA. I was watching the games and realised that, by quickly searching your knowledge to fork out 3 answers in 5 seconds or less is an instant mood booster and may also help clarify your mind/ thoughts. So to those with mental health issues (including myself) - you may watch the game on Ellen on YouTube and even answer the questions yourself. The social experience is also worth it. Just a friendly tip to keep your mental health up on days when you are bored.

supportseeker Did your personality/demeanour change after covid isolation.
  • replies: 4

Before covid lockdowns I was a different person. I laughed, could have a good time, I set goals and looked forward to things in life. I felt positive emotions and was overall optimistic. I have no family and few friends as I’m not originally from Aus... View more

Before covid lockdowns I was a different person. I laughed, could have a good time, I set goals and looked forward to things in life. I felt positive emotions and was overall optimistic. I have no family and few friends as I’m not originally from Australia; however, being locked inside for extended periods throughout 2020-almost 2022 changed me. I lost work, spoke to no one most days of the week, saw no one (as we weren’t allowed to meet up with others). In 2019 we had bush fires where we couldn’t go outside much, then covid, now in 2022 in miserable and rainy every week. I had a baby during that time where I had to completely self isolate during pregnancy to not get covid and have my partner there for delivery. I eat organic and clean, I exercise and am fit. I do stretches and have tried acupuncture. I function but feel nothing. I have no happiness, look forward to nothing, have lost all desire to go out. I don’t see the point, especially with bad weather and prices. I feel like my spark for life completely died during those years of isolation. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety now as well which I had not experienced before. Does anyone else feel this way?

Amanda2000 don't forget to smile!
  • replies: 1

Recently I had some disappointing/frustrating experiences with healthcare providers. I had to reschedule my work hours for both appointments. One was a GP that left me waiting for a long time and also put a late-comer ahead of me, and then my consult... View more

Recently I had some disappointing/frustrating experiences with healthcare providers. I had to reschedule my work hours for both appointments. One was a GP that left me waiting for a long time and also put a late-comer ahead of me, and then my consultation only took 2 minutes because she could not see the issue/problem that was the reason for my visit. The other one was an optometrist that I went for a second-visit because of issues with the new glasses. She was defensive right from the start and made all sorts of sarcastic comments. At the end she did help me to resolve my issues but all that negative attitude from her was so unnecessary. I had been in a fragile state with my depression & anxiety so these things really bothered me for days. What is wrong with people? Are their lives so miserable that they have to exercise some kind of power over other people to make themselves feel a little better? All they had to do was greet me with a smile from the start and everything could have played out differently. As the saying goes, you get back what you give. Just a simple smile can be so powerful - it will brighten up the moment for the person that you're smiling at and also the smile eases the tension/negativity within yourself. So don't forget to smile!

tjo111 Walk away.
  • replies: 1

You are allowed to walk away from people who are not good for your mental health. There are certain people with whom you just do not like your behaviour and the way they make you feel. It does not mean that those people are bad humans, it simply mean... View more

You are allowed to walk away from people who are not good for your mental health. There are certain people with whom you just do not like your behaviour and the way they make you feel. It does not mean that those people are bad humans, it simply means that the two of you are vibing on different levels. Do not be afraid to let go of those who drain you, make you feel less than you are, talk you down or do not appreciate you. You are not running away from them, darling. You are simply showing yourself the respect you deserve by controlling who is allowed to be in your life. You have the power to decide what kind of energy you want to be surrounded with - choose wisely. It is so important to surround yourself with people who are positive, kind, loving and supportive, no matter what. Do not be scared to remove toxic people from your life. You are in control of your life.

tjo111 Congratulations.
  • replies: 1

Everybody says congratulations when you get a new job, or start a business, or buy a house, or have a baby, or get married, or buy a new car...I just wanted to take a second out of the day to say congratulations to all of you who made it through a ha... View more

Everybody says congratulations when you get a new job, or start a business, or buy a house, or have a baby, or get married, or buy a new car...I just wanted to take a second out of the day to say congratulations to all of you who made it through a hard week this week.Congratulations to those who are holding it together for the sake of the people you love.Congratulations to anyone who thought about taking the easy way out and decided to stick around for a while longer.Congratulations for showing up. Again.You deserve all the love too.

Somehow Transformation
  • replies: 3

After nearly 20 years of excess sweating, mainly on my head, I have come across a practitioner who has told me that I don't have enough salt in my body to retain fluid. Sounds like it's making sense I think. She recommends that I soak my feet nightly... View more

After nearly 20 years of excess sweating, mainly on my head, I have come across a practitioner who has told me that I don't have enough salt in my body to retain fluid. Sounds like it's making sense I think. She recommends that I soak my feet nightly in hot water which contains both 1 teaspoon of ground Pink Himalayan Salt and 1 tablespoon of Epson Salts. I can't believe how effective it has been in radically reducing the sweating. Please give it a try, hope it works for you

Healthmadhelpp EXCESS SWEATING ON FOREHEARD AND HEAD AND ALWAYS RED HOT, ON GOING FOR 3 MONTHS.
  • replies: 2

Hi I know this isnt the best place to ask but Im cant cope id like to know if anyone could help with ideas? 26 MALE 25 stone 5 6FT Medication started in January " as they thought i had anexity and stress" "Which I didnt"; several changes in medicatio... View more

Hi I know this isnt the best place to ask but Im cant cope id like to know if anyone could help with ideas? 26 MALE 25 stone 5 6FT Medication started in January " as they thought i had anexity and stress" "Which I didnt"; several changes in medication since then. My sweats are now getting unberable. I am constonley hot and dripping of sweat when doing the very BARE minium like walking around the house, going to the bus stop and back which is less than 100 meters. Its gotten so much more worse since it started 3 months ago. TODAY when doing even nothing my body feels like its on fire it feels like im burning inside all over my body its horrible feeling like im burning from inside Also noticed when in the sun or in a hot warm I feel the heat ALOT more than I use to and sweat a lot more than I did before in the same situation Also side note For pass year and half I been having palpations where it feels like my heart stops for a second then starts beatng again and somtimea I get a strong thud in chest. It would happend 1/2 times a day. Its been getting worse to where now past month I get loads of these a day mainly when im walking or doing somthing which cause my heart rate to go up. I am scared thats it due to my heart being blocked the arterys as that what it says online and also my symptomes of excess sweating. Any ideas?